How to Disavow Backlinks: Steps, Tips and Considerations (2025 Guide)

Backlinks can be your website’s best friend—or its worst nightmare. A well-founded backlink profile is like having a VIP guest list for your site, but when spammy, irrelevant, or toxic links sneak in? Well, it’s like someone crashing your party and spilling red wine on the carpet. It’s not exactly the vibe you’re going for.

Welcome to the world of backlink disavowal—a process that’s often misunderstood, feared, and sometimes totally ignored (yikes).

In this guide, we’re cutting through the noise. Forget the jargon-filled noise; we’re diving into actionable steps, killer tips, and real-world considerations that’ll help you take control of your backlink profile like a pro in 2025. Whether you’re cleaning up your profile, handling penalties, or just being proactive, this guide is your ultimate playbook.

So, are you ready to learn how to sort the good from the bad, protect your site’s integrity, and make those toxic links disappear? Stick around—you’re about to become a backlink ninja. Let’s get started!

What is a Disavow File?

You know when you’re trying to build your reputation online—working hard to grow your website, attract visitors, and establish trust—and then someone, somewhere, throws a wrench into the works? Yeah, that happens more often than we’d like. Sometimes, it’s spammy backlinks you didn’t even ask for. Maybe it’s spammy sites linking to you, or worse, deliberate attempts to mess with your rankings. That’s where the disavow file becomes your secret weapon.

The disavow file is your way of telling Google, “Hey, I see these bad backlinks pointing to my site, but I don’t want to be associated with them.” It’s like cutting ties with toxic people in your life—but digitally.

Here’s how it works. You create a simple text file—literally just a .txt file—that lists all the domains or specific URLs you want Google to ignore when evaluating your backlink profile. Once you’ve got your list, you upload it through the Google Disavow tool. And then? You breathe a little easier, knowing you’ve taken action to protect your site’s reputation.

But let me be honest—it’s not something you should rush into. A disavow file is powerful, yes, but it’s also a tool you want to use sparingly. Google is smart enough to handle most bad backlinks on its own.

Google’s Disavow Tool: Is It Worth It?

Over the last two years, I’ve disavowed backlinks for over 150 websites for different clients. Yeah, you read that right—150. And guess what? In 99% of those cases, I didn’t notice any major improvements. If anything, there were times when rankings dropped after submitting the file. I know, it sounds odd. You’d think this magic tool could cleanse your website of all those toxic backlinks and lift your rankings overnight. But reality? It’s rarely that straightforward.

Here’s the thing—if your traffic has dipped, and you’re hoping that a quick disavow file is your silver bullet, I’d advise you to pause. The answer likely isn’t in uploading a file to Google Search Console.

It’s easy to want a quick fix, especially when you’re seeing your numbers drop, but SEO rarely rewards quick wins. The disavow tool isn’t some secret weapon—it’s more like a last resort for specific cases, like dealing with penalties or heavy spam attacks. Even then, the results aren’t always predictable.

So, next time you’re tempted to pin your hopes on a disavow file, ask yourself: Would your time be better spent writing that killer blog post? Building relationships for quality backlinks? Nine times out of ten, the answer is yes.

When Should You Consider Disavowing Backlinks?

Alright, let me level with you. If you’ve just found a handful of spammy backlinks pointing to your site—say, one, two, or even ten—it’s not a reason to panic. Honestly, every website has some junk links in its profile. It’s like walking into a perfectly clean room and spotting a speck of dust—it’s there, but it’s not a big deal. Search engines expect this. They’re smarter than we give them credit for, and they know the difference between an occasional spam link and a real problem.

But—and this is a big “but”—there are situations when you need to take action. Like, really sit down, roll up your sleeves, and get to work. If your backlink profile starts to flood with tons of links carrying over-optimized anchor text, you should take a closer look. You know the type: anchors stuffed with exact-match keywords like “best SEO services” or “cheap online loans.” If it starts to feel like a bot is targeting you—or worse, a malicious competitor is trying to sabotage your rankings—that’s when the disavow tool becomes your safety net.

Google isn’t going to penalize you for a few spammy links. But when it looks like you’re part of a black-hat scheme or someone’s dragging your site into the gutter? That’s when you step in. Disavowing is about protecting your reputation, not nitpicking every little flaw.

And let’s talk about bought links for a second. I get it—buying links can feel like an easy solution to success. But if those links scream, “Hey, I’m paid for!” (you know the ones: they’re from irrelevant sites, their content is thin, and their placement is painfully obvious), they can do more harm than good. Google sees through it. And when they do, your rankings aren’t just at risk—they could nosedive. Disavowing these links is like cutting ties with a bad investment. You’re protecting yourself from potential penalties and showing Google that you’re serious about playing fair.

So, don’t stress over every little link. But when the red flags pop up—waves of spammy links, obvious paid ones, or a targeted attack—it’s time to act. The disavow tool isn’t something you use lightly, but when it’s needed, it’s a lifesaver.

Steps to Create and Submit a Disavow File

Alright, let’s break this down like you’re walking a friend through the process over coffee. Creating and submitting a disavow file on Google Search Console (GSC) might sound a little intimidating at first, but trust me—it’s not rocket science. You just need to be careful and intentional with every step.

Step 1: Start with a Link Audit

Picture this: you’re cleaning out your closet, trying to get rid of those old, tacky outfits you’ll never wear again. That’s what this step is about. Dive into your backlink profile using tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or even Google’s own Search Console. Look for the ones that feel… off. Spammy, low-quality, or completely irrelevant to your site’s niche. You know the type.

Unsure where to begin? Explore my guide on ‘How to Audit Your Backlink Profile’ for clear and actionable steps.

Take your time here. Rushing this is like tossing out a family heirloom by mistake—once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Step 2: Create a List of Toxic Links

Got your culprits? Good. Now, put them into a simple text file. Format it like this:

If it’s an entire domain you want to disavow, use:

domain:example.com
If it’s just a specific URL:
https://example.com/bad-link

Keep it clean, no fancy formatting. Just a plain .txt file. It’s like writing a break-up letter—short, sweet, and to the point.

You can use online tools to quickly generate a disavow list.

Step 3. Head Over to Google Search Console

Now, pause. Take a breath. Revisit your list. You don’t want to disavow links that are actually helping your site. Consider this as proofreading a job application—you wouldn’t want a typo costing you the gig.

Alright, it’s game time. Log into your GSC account and find the Disavow Tool. Heads up: it’s tucked away in a separate section because Google treats this like a last resort. They don’t want you disavowing links unless it’s absolutely necessary.

This is the moment of truth. Select the property (website), click “Upload,” select your file, and hit submit. Boom, you’ve just told Google, “Hey, these links? Not my vibe.”

And that’s it.

Can Disavowing Links Affect My Site’s SEO Negatively?

Alright, let’s talk. Can disavowing links mess with your SEO? It’s a valid concern, and honestly, the answer isn’t as black and white as we’d like. Let me break it down for you in a way that feels… human.

So, imagine this. You’re curating this pristine garden—your website. Every plant, every flower, is carefully chosen to create this perfect, balanced ecosystem. Now, let’s say there’s a patch of weeds—bad backlinks. Maybe you didn’t plant them (spammy sites linking to you out of nowhere), or maybe a few poor choices from the past have crept in. Either way, those weeds can ruin the vibe, right

Disavowing links is like pulling out those weeds. But here’s the thing—what if you accidentally pull out a plant that’s healthy? Or what if, by removing too many, you disturb the soil? That’s where things can go sideways.

See, when you disavow links, you’re telling Google, “Hey, ignore these connections—they’re not part of my garden.” But if you’re too aggressive and disavow links that are helping your site, you could lose some SEO juice. Traffic might drop. Rankings might dip. And then, you’re left wondering, Did I just sabotage myself?

But—and this is important—it’s not about being scared to touch the weeds. It’s about being careful. You’ve gotta evaluate. Are these links really toxic? Are they coming from spammy, irrelevant sites that scream junk? Or are they from sites that just seem a little rough around the edges but could still bring value?

Sometimes, not all bad-looking links are bad. And sometimes, letting Google’s algorithm do its thing without interference can be the better choice. Google’s smarter than we give it credit for.
So, yes, disavowing links can affect your SEO negatively—if you don’t approach it wisely. But when done right, it can be like giving your garden a fresh start. It’s about balance, my friend. Always balance.

How Often Should I Update My Disavow File?

In short, it’s not something you touch every week or even every month. It’s more like spring cleaning for your website. You don’t want to overdo it, but when the time comes, it’s absolutely necessary.

So, how often? Well, it depends. If your site’s backlink profile is relatively stable—no major fluctuations, no sudden influx of low-quality links—you can probably leave it be for a while, maybe check it quarterly. But here’s the thing: if you’re actively running link-building campaigns or operating in a competitive or spam-prone niche, you might need to keep a closer eye. A bi-monthly review could save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Oh, and let me share a little secret: sometimes, the need to update your disavow file hits you unexpectedly. You might notice a sudden dip in rankings or find spammy links popping up in your backlink profile—like weeds in a garden.

But here’s the key: don’t obsess over it. Updating your disavow file too often can backfire. Google expects a natural ebb and flow of links. If you’re disavowing every tiny, questionable link, you could end up hurting your site more than helping it.

So, to sum it up? Be proactive but not paranoid. Check-in quarterly or when you notice a red flag. And when you do update it, make it count—because that disavow file is like your shield in the battle for organic traffic. Use it wisely.

What Tools Can Help Identify Harmful Backlinks?

So, where do you even start? Well, let me tell you about three tools that are like your backstage pass to the world of backlinks: Ahrefs, SEMrush, and MOZ. These platforms are your detective kits, your magnifying glasses for spotting the red flags among the good links.

Ahrefs is like the eagle-eyed scout. You can dive into its backlink profile section and look for links from dodgy sites—low DR scores, irrelevant niches, or ones that just feel off. Trust me, once you see them, you’ll know. Then, there’s SEMrush. It’s brilliant at flagging potentially toxic links. The “Toxic Score” feature is a lifesaver—literally tells you, “Hey, this might not be good news.”

And MOZ? Ah, it’s the steady friend you didn’t know you needed. While it might not scream about toxic links, its Spam Score is pure gold when it comes to understanding a domain’s health. Low authority and high spam? Yeah, those links are the ones whispering bad things about your site to Google.

Here’s the pro tip I’d give if we were sitting in the same room, brainstorming: don’t just rely on one tool. If you’ve got a rich backlink profile—like, hundreds or even thousands of links—export the data from all three tools. Layer them, cross-check them, and get as much data as you can. You don’t want to miss something because one tool overlooked a sneaky spammy link.

And once you’ve got your list, take your time. Comb through each link like it’s a clue in a mystery novel.

Can I Undo a Disavow Action?

What happens when we realize we might’ve been a little too quick to hit “submit”? Maybe that gut feeling was off, or worse, you accidentally disavowed links that were helping your site.

The good news? Yes, you can undo a disavow action. It’s not a one-way street. Google gives us the flexibility to update or completely remove the disavow file. It’s kind of like editing an email draft before you send it.

You simply create a new disavow file, excluding the links or domains you no longer want to disavow. Then, upload this new file through the Disavow Tool in Google Search Console.

But, even though you’ve undone the disavow, those links won’t magically start influencing your rankings again overnight. It takes time for Google to crawl those links and factor them back into your site’s trust signals.

And hey, don’t beat yourself up about it. Mistakes happen, even to the best of us. Just take it as a lesson to be extra cautious next time. Analyze those links carefully before you decide they’re “toxic.” Remember: every link tells a story. Some just need a second chance.

How Long Does It Take for a Disavow to Take Effect?

The question every SEO pro has asked themselves at least once—how long does it take for a disavow to work? Well, Google’s timeline for processing disavow requests isn’t an exact science. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to see any tangible effects. Why the range? Well, for starters, Google doesn’t operate in real-time. Your disavow file needs to be crawled, and processed, and only then will it start to influence your rankings.

And here’s a little dose of reality: a disavow doesn’t guarantee a direct impact on rankings. Sometimes, it feels like shouting into a void, especially if the spammy links weren’t holding you back as much as you thought. But, and this is important—if toxic links were penalizing your site, the disavow can help lift that weight. It’s like taking off a backpack full of bricks you didn’t even realize you were carrying.

So, while you’re waiting, what should you do? Focus on other aspects of your SEO strategy.

Stay patient. Stay focused. The results will come.

Can Automated Tools Decide Which Links to Disavow?

Yes—automated tools can help identify links that might be worth disavowing, but let me tell you why that’s not the whole story.

These tools? They don’t understand the nuance, the context. They rely on metrics and patterns, but they’re not living, breathing experts.

Let’s say a tool flags a backlink from a low-DA blog in your niche. At first glance, it might seem like junk. But what if that blog has real traffic, an engaged audience, and an author who genuinely loves your brand? Would you want to burn that bridge? Probably not.

That’s where manual review steps in, and it’s non-negotiable. Sure, tools give you a head start—they can point out anomalies, clusters of spammy domains, or links from irrelevant regions. But in the end, you’re the one who has to weigh each link against your goals. Does this link hurt your profile, or does it just look suspicious on paper?

Think of it this way: automated tools are on your radar. They spot what’s flying in your airspace. But you? You’re the air traffic controller. You decide what lands and what gets redirected. And trust me, when you’re disavowing links, you want to make those calls carefully—because once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Are There Alternatives to Disavowing Backlinks?

Yes, there are. Let me tell you about one of them—it’s a classic, really. You can reach out to the website owners directly and politely ask them to remove the links. Sounds simple, right? But here’s the thing: it’s not always as straightforward as it seems.

Imagine, you’re crafting emails, customizing each one, and explaining why the link needs to go. Maybe it’s because it’s irrelevant, spammy, or simply not serving your site’s best interest.

Sometimes, you’ll get lucky—an understanding webmaster replies, agrees, and poof! The link disappears. But more often than not? Crickets. Silence. And that’s where the challenge kicks in.
This approach is time-consuming. You might send dozens, maybe hundreds of emails, and the response rate can be painfully low. Plus, not everyone will be cooperative. Some might ignore you, while others could ask for payment to remove the link—yes, that happens too.

But, there are pros to trying. For one, it’s a direct fix. You’re not just telling Google, “Hey, I don’t want this link to count,” as you would with a disavow file. You’re removing the problem at its source. Plus, it’s a chance to build connections with other site owners—though, let’s be honest, that’s rare in this scenario.

On the flip side, it’s slow, unpredictable, and sometimes downright frustrating. And when you’re dealing with hundreds of problematic links? It can feel like you’re swimming against the current.

So, while this is an alternative, it’s not always the most efficient path. That’s why many SEOs—myself included—lean toward disavowing links for scale and reliability. But hey, if you’ve got patience and a knack for outreach, it’s worth a shot. Sometimes, all it takes is one cooperative webmaster to make your day.

What Criteria Should I Use to Select Links for Disavowing?

First, start with the obvious ones—the spammy, low-quality links. You know the type: random forums with no real engagement, sketchy directories that scream “built for links,” or those weird websites that have nothing to do with your niche but somehow link to you repeatedly. Trust me, if it feels wrong, it probably is.

Take a closer look at the website linking to you. Does it have real content? Is it ranking for anything in search? Or is it just a skeleton site—no life, no value, no purpose except to manipulate SEO? If it’s the latter, it’s probably time to cut ties.

Then, pay attention to the anchor text. Are they overly stuffed with exact match keywords? That’s like a red flag waving in Google’s face. Natural links don’t scream “buy shoes online cheap!” over and over—they flow, they fit, they make sense in context. If you’re seeing aggressive anchor text that feels forced, it’s likely part of some outdated or black-hat SEO tactic. Toss it.

Now, here’s where I get a little emotional because this part hits close to home—those links you trusted, maybe even paid for, but now they’re a liability. It’s tough. You feel betrayed like you invested in something that turned toxic. But here’s the truth: SEO is about playing the long game. Letting go of bad links—even ones you once thought were good—can be the difference between surviving a ranking drop and thriving.

Lastly, look at the domain itself. Does it have a shady history? Maybe it was penalized before or flagged as spam by tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush. Check its traffic patterns—does it show a steep decline out of nowhere? That could mean it’s on Google’s radar for all the wrong reasons.

The process is a bit like detective work—part logic, part instinct, and a sprinkle of experience. But every link you disavow is a step toward building a cleaner, stronger profile.

What if the ” Select Property ” Section is not Available in the Google Disavow Tool?

You’ve just spent hours combing through your backlink profile, meticulously identifying every spammy or toxic link dragging your website’s reputation through the mud. You’re feeling accomplished, right? Ready to take action, clean things up, and finally breathe a sigh of relief. But then… you log into the Google Disavow Tool, and bam! There’s no “Select Property” section. Just an empty, mocking void where your domain should be.

Frustrating? Oh, absolutely.

You’re probably thinking, “Did I miss something? Is my website not good enough for Google? Or worse—did I somehow break something?” Before you start spiraling, take a breath. Let’s break it down.

This happens because Google doesn’t recognize your site as verified in Google Search Console or maybe don’t have an ” Admin “ access.

If everything checks out and the “Select Property” section is still MIA, it’s time to dig deeper. Is there a technical glitch? Rare, but not impossible. Try switching browsers, clearing your cache, or even using incognito mode. If that fails, don’t hesitate to contact Google Support. They exist for moments like these.

But remember—these little bumps in the road? They’re part of the journey. Once you crack the code and see your property listed in that dropdown, you’ll feel unstoppable.

And hey, the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve got control over your backlinks? Totally worth it.

Can a Disavow File Be Too Large?

Google, being the rule-maker, doesn’t just let us throw in an endless list of bad links into the disavow file. There’s a limit. Google’s guidelines are clear—your disavow file should be no larger than 2MB, which sounds like a lot at first. But when you break it down, especially if you’re dealing with hundreds or even thousands of toxic links, that cap can sneak up on you.

And it’s not just about size—it’s about structure. Each line in your disavow file counts, and you don’t get extra points for sloppiness. Comments take up space. Repeated URLs? They add weight. If you go overboard, the file won’t even upload, leaving you frustrated and stuck at square one.